Shooting The Breeze

In an STB podcast first, some of our crew took a roaming mic around Qudos Bank Arena on Sun 18th Feb for a WNBL showdown between home team Sydney Flames and Southside Flyers. With the largest stand alone crowd at a Flames game in the clubs history of 6,834, the STB crew got to interview some people behind the scenes, including past pod guests and folks connected with the teams. While the audio was raw, you’ll defintely get a feel for the energy and genuine excitement of the fans and hoops community - before, during and after the game, reflecting on what was considered one of the best WNBL regular season games in possibly the tightest lead up to a WNBL finals! Also marking an extra special thank you tribute to Australian Basketball Icon Lauren Jackson alongside fellow Opal and Sydney Flames centre Cayla George in her 350th WNBL Game! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

In this episode we speak with an emerging young Aussie talent Lara Somfai. The youngest member on last years AIS Centre of Excellence squad she’s ventured across the Pacific ocean to Tampa, Florida to complete her schooling with IMG Academy to challenge herself and in her words “improve on and off the court” as many elite colleges are already knocking at her door! It’s a refreshing insight into a centred and talented young hooper with big, bold dreams that understands the opportunities come with hard work, sacrifice and love for your sport. We look forward to watching Lara emerge on the world stage from this baptism of fire and realise her dreams! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn 

In this short and sweet pod we have a fireside chat with a real players Coach in Cheryl Chambers, as we reflect on one of the most extraordinarly close WNBL seasons in recent memory. Winning her 3rd WNBL Championship as Head Coach, Cheryl Chambers and the Southside Flyers delivered on a hard fought Finals battle. We talk about some difference makers alongside her coaching approach, and a first look at the Seven Consulting Australian Opals extended squad just announced for the Paris 2024 Olympics in late July! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn 

We’re grateful to have James Janssen return to the pod, after joining us briefly for our 150th episode, we wanted to hear more from the Aussie Assistant Coach of the Davidson ‘Wildcats’ Women’s team from North Carolina. He takes us deep into their program, including the pipeline of exceptional Aussie female hooper's that are becoming hallmarks of the Wildcats. It’s a fascinating look into the significant progress of Davidsons women’s basketball program over the last decade, one which James has been integral to, but especially against the unprecedented rise of Women's College Hoops. In a difficult development since this podcast was taped earlier in February, Davidson has announced their withdrawal from the season to provide optimal care and support to their players and staff in what’s been a season of devastating loss from injuries… notwithstanding their impressive game results. Highlighting the incredible high and lows that athletes face, it’s clear that Davidson has prioritised the well-being of its student athletes and as James prophetically talks about in this episode - the importance for organisations and athletes to be intentional in self-care and the need sometimes to step back and evaluate. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

In this Dream Chasers episode, Kiwi Hoops expert Linden Moore is back featuring special guest Rachel Taulelei - the co-owner of the Aotearoa Wellington team Tokomanawa Queens. In a wide-ranging conversation with Rachel in her prominent role at the Queens and within the NZ business landscape, she gives us a front row seat to the incredible opportunity for women’s hoops in NZ that has come to life! In only their second season the Queens were recognised as Best Club of the Year, Best Game presentation and Best Social Media!We gain an insight into the culture of the Tokomanawa Queens, their spirit of reciprocity ‘aroha atu, aroha mai’ that sits at the centre of this community. As well as the vision around the development of younger players including the Foundation inspired by her daughter Lily’s US College journey… that like all things Tokomanawa - revolve around Whānau. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

STB was LIVE at the 2024 Cygnett WNBL Pre-Awards Orange Carpet, and like all live feeds we had a slight mic issue for the first minute - so hang in there… that’s what we love about the spontaneity of our live pods this series!! If you missed out or just want to re-listen to some of the amazing guests we spoke with, including our roaming mic moment with a surprisingly talkative Melbourne Boomers Coach Chris Lucas … tune in for a FUN Orange carpet ride! Enjoy!Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

Loz Nicholson is back in black, and Flames fans are ecstatic to see her in her home team strip.A reigning WNBL Champ; Loz is having a stellar season that has literally kept the team in the hunt! A part of this seasons MVP conversation she returns to STB in a fun chat that's equal parts entertaining and enlightening. We wind back the clock to her first WNBL championship in 16/17 in Sydney and her decision to leave her hometown, to the present day and her surprise that she is still learning & improving nearing a decade later with an inspiring group of new teammates and coaches. We’re always grateful to Loz for sharing her vulnerability, her evolution as a player and her growing confidence back on home turf that’s boosted her performance along with her joy of the game!It’s a timely conversation leading into this weekend’s blockbuster event at Qudos Arena - the first WNBL standalone arena game for women’s hoops in NSW with an epic showdown between the Sydney Flames and the Southside Flyers in an important match up before playoffs!Get around it, folks!! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

Listen in as we talk with Linden Moore and Maia Williamson about the Tall Ferns Olympic Qualifier Tournament campaign.A first round loss against powerhouse China had a lot of positives given the age and experience of the team. Linden and Maia give us a good look at what New Zealand fans can take away from this game, while also giving us their opinions about upcoming games and what this campaign means for New Zealand basketball in the longer term.There was a lot more covered in this podcast so settle back, tune in and listen to our New Zealand experts give us their perspective.

In our next DreamChasers we get a hoops business perspective with President of The Las Vegas Aces Nikki Fargas. Nikki has an illustrious backstory of her own - player, coach and now executive of back to back WNBA Champs The Las Vegas Aces. We’re incredibly grateful that Nikki shared her time and immense knowledge of the women's game, and the direction the Las Vegas Aces are quite literally championing for the league. It’s a fascinating insight into the front office of the reigning Champs and a behind the scenes glimpse into the cohesion between business and basketball. We also talk about the transformation of Las Vegas into a Sports Entertainment destination and you sense that the Aces continue to ride a game changing wave. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

Prior to the game between the Sydney Flames and the UC Caps we sat down and talked about the game, the Opals and much more.

Sara Houston is a new addition to the Aussie Glider’s.Wearing the national jersey for the first time at the Asia Oceania Zone Championships taking place in Thailand right now, we spoke with Sara as she was preparing for the trip. We talked about her introduction to wheelchair basketball and the chance encounter with a successful Paralympian and former STB pod guest that seemed almost predestined.Sara is a great ambassador for women’s wheelchair. Also a talented singer with a recent stint on Australian Idol, right now she’s focused on making the most of this ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to represent the illustrious Gliders in their rebuild on the road to Paris. We also talk about the financial challenges for athletes in para-sports, and the opportunity for smart businesses to get on board and boost a national team brimming with potential.Make sure to catch a game of wheelchair basketball. The AOZ Championships can be viewed via IWBF YouTube: https://bitly.ws/I9M6 Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

Pink Hoops is the inaugural WNBL’s Sydney Flames and NBL’s Sydney Kings breast cancer round. This initiative is inspired and driven by Sydney Flames Assistant Coach (former player) Tiana Mangakahia, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.LIVE from Qudos Bank Arena, Flames player Shaneice Swain joins us as well as pre-recorded chats with Flames’ player and STB pod regular Vanessa Panousis and Kings’ player Jordi Hunter.The Pink Hoops initiative is to rasie awareness and fundraise for McGrath Foundation to have 250 Breast Care Nurses by 2025.Enjoy!Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you!Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

In our next Dream Chasers instalment, joining us are two female powerhouses behind some of the biggest clubs in the WNBL - Bernie Dodd and Victoria Denholm.Bernie is an Executive Director, and an integral part of the Melbourne Boomers ownership group and Vic is the President and part owner of the Sydney Flames. Both join us in an insightful look into their roles and perspectives.We’re grateful to hear from two impressive leaders working hard behind the scenes. While representing clubs that are fierce rivals on court, they also work alongside each other as they grow investment within the sport. In their roles they elevate women’s basketball and create pathways for females from of all walks of life to participate. Their priority is to support their teams and tribes but what becomes clear and compelling is that their collective passion for the sport at all levels opens doors to so many possibilities to grow women’s hoops! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

In this episode Perth local Amy Atwell joins us, giving us a great insight into the Perth Lynx sharpshooter who is currently sitting top 3 of the WNBL’s leading three-point shooters this season… just behind former team mate WNBA’s Sami Whitcomb.Given a licence to shoot by Coach Petrik, Amy has fit in well within the Lynx’ fast and furious tempo, with a confidence that defies her age in only her second year in the WNBL.Her formative college years at the University of Hawaii has helped shape her fearless game and her ‘lead by example’ approach that not only inspires teammates but fans and the grassroots community alike.Amy recently capped a 28 to 0 undefeated NBL1 campaign with the Bendigo Braves, she shares more on that journey and dealing with the mounting pressure of an unprecedented Nationals run - all valuable experiences for what’s shaping to be a tight WNBL season.We’re grateful to speak with Amy on her whirlwind 18 months, a taste that has only fuelled her WNBA aspirations despite getting waived from the LA Sparks, she knows, in her words, 'getting back there is something that will just take care of itself if I keep improving my game and keep playing well'.Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

Welcome to Shooting the Breeze in our first LIVE pod for series 6. We’re LIVE from the National Convention Centre in Canberra, it’s UCCaps Vs Townsville Fire on Sunday 10 Dec.Despite a tech hiccup we are able to get most of our pre-game chat before tonights live call.Thanks to UCCapsWeekly commentator Michelle Hocking and legendary AIS Coach Phil Brown for joining us tonite! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

In our Dream Chasers series, we chat with Cassidy McLean.Cass is running her own business ‘Sporting Chance Collective’ that aptly gives athletes a sporting chance to pursue their goals by providing some addtional commercial experience and much needed income to supplement their sporting career. Cass is a reigning NBL1 Champ for the Bendigo Braves in what was a perfect season. In stepping back from the WNBL she is boldly backing herself in business to provide her peers with an opportunity to pursue their sporting careers, in a minimum wage reality for women's sports that is adversely impacting many players both financially and mentally. It’s a fascinating point of view from of a talented hard working player, who not only enriches her grassroots and business community, but has parlayed her basketabll leadership and skills off-court to create opportunties that has literally made a difference for other women in sport. We’re grateful for the candid discussion and insight Cass shares, motivated from her own setbacks Cass is now having an impact for others. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you!Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn

It’s our first pod for Series 6 and in this episode Townsville Fires’ reigning Champ Mikaela Ruef joins us. A low-key post player, Mikaela is a high quality contributor and a strong work ethic combined with a genuine love of the game she’s an invaluable team player! Best of all rounding out her remarkable year, Mikaela has finally become an Australian citizen. She’s a Stanford NCAA final four player that was schooled in elite team play, an experience that has, in her words, “helped me to become the player that I am”. We take a fun little trip down memory lane experimenting with some archival footage from her first professional year in Australia … as those who know her will appreciate, Mikaela has a rapid-fire humour so we’re grateful to be able to share a glimpse into that side of her and her balancing act of laughter and fun with her steely competitiveness.Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod

Series Six begins!Catch up with our fortnightly feature podcasts on womens hoops and women in hoops. We share stories that elevate the women's game, creating deeper connections and greater exposure. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you!Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and follow us on LinkedIn.

Welcome to Part Two of our All-Star Series 5 Edition. We play it back featuring our most downloaded podcasts from Series 5. To round out our All-Stars we sample the following pods (in order of listening): Ep116: Free Agency Free Fallin’ (Part One) with Sammy MacEp118: Lauren Jackson & Tess Madgen - She Hoops; anda first with a female director in a Bonus Ep111 Director Jocelyn Song on ‘Sòng Pèi Xīng’ the Sophia Song Story Stay tuned for Series 6!! Enjoy!! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod

Welcome to Part 1 of our All-Stars Series 5 Edition. Series 6 is around the corner but in this hang time we really want to play it back for some of our most downloaded podcasts from Series 5. In this episode we sample the following pods (in order of listening): Episode 120: Al Kunek Forging Her Own Path; Episode 122: Saraid Taylor and the creative pivot; and Our first Live Pod for Series 5 with First Sub’s a women’s hoops community program, and co-founder’s Madel Giles & Kaz Emery. Stay tuned for Part 2. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod